The Cock and Bull Band

The Cock & Bull Band are now in their fifth decade of providing exciting and adventurous ceilidh experiences. With their extensive back catalogue of material, they effortlessly fuse traditional instruments with cutting edge music technology. Original tunes and reworked traditional tunes are given a unique groove which is perfect for dancing and great to listen to. High energy mandola is complemented by keyboard, drum loops and samples whilst the tune is played on sax, flute, clarinet or recorder in a variety of arrangements that respect ceilidh tradition but add a hint of jazz with a contemporary feel.

The Cock and Bull Band are truly unique, demonstrating a mastery of musical arrangements that delight the ear whilst igniting the inner dancing spirit. Dancers have always loved their individual and quirky approach to ceilidh music. Tunes might be played on clarinet, flute, recorder, keyboard, a range of saxophones or any combination of the aforementioned. These many and varied instrumental permutations are fused with the inventive and energetic mandola of Paul Martin, who effortlessly bounces between underpinning the rhythmic powerhouse and exciting lead guitar-like phrases. Vanda Sainsbury on woodwind and Lynn Swain on flute, feature inspired harmony and counterpoint in every tune, along with solo improvisation, where the melody line is set aside for some nifty melodic phrases, that sees the musical style sashay off into the realms of jazz, rock or even funk! Pete Lockwood’s ‘trademark electronics’ have become an integral feature of The Cock and Bull ‘sound’ and their driving ceilidh rhythms effortlessly blend traditional instruments with synthesiser, loops and percussion samples. Pete has always shown an empathy with ceilidh-folk music, subtly infusing his brand of ’technology’ without losing the essence of the original genre. Throughout their long and eventful career The Cock and Bull Band have never shied away from following their own, sometimes unfashionable path and in doing so have remained innovative, never failing to surprise. Members have come and gone, but the band and its individual and unusual combination of instruments continue to forge ahead along their own highly distinctive route.

Dates Appearing